Ever since my wife of 28 years died, some 30 years ago, I have kept a lamp burning continuously in my home. Now, before you reprimand me for wasting energy l assure you it is a small table lamp fitted with the smallest most energy efficient bulb available. I’m told it uses less energy in a year than most cell phones use in a week. That said, the reason I do this is that it is for me a constant reminder of the ceaseless presence of the Holy Spirit. During my season of grief, I felt this comfort and could see the light even in my darkest hours. In today’s Scripture reading, note 24:1–4. The people were commanded to bring olive oil, PURE olive oil, to keep the light on the gold lampstands burning continually in the Lord’s presence (cf. Ex. 27:20). The symbolic meaning of the importance of this singular command for a continuous burning light can be lost unless we interpret Scripture with Scripture and note the multiple references to light in both Old and New Testaments. Just as the pillar of light at night and the cloud by day led the people from bondage into redemption, so does the continual burning lamps lead the people into worship. I dwell on this daily as I see my little lamp, right now as I read my Bible and write these words, and thank God for the in-dwelling Spirit, the Comforter, my Lamp of life.
Without darkness there can be no light.
Rev. Harold Hazen
